It almost sounds way too good to be true. Surely, the Iowa Hawkeyes aren’t going to be able to pull off this defensive line to center stardom swap all over again this swiftly, right?
The early returns sound like that’s exactly what might be in store for Logan Jones. After making the switch from heralded defensive line recruit to offensive line during the spring, Jones has ascended to the top of the depth chart at center.
It’s a familiar tale to the man he will be replacing in former Hawkeyes center Tyler Linderbaum. Iowa offensive line coach George Barnett says that Jones is settling in nicely for the Hawkeyes.
“Well, he’s a natural, gifted athlete. He’s smart. He’s tough, so he just needs reps. The more he gets, the more comfortable he is in those situations. He’s up for a challenge, which you have to do if you’ve never snapped a football before. Now, it’s time to snap a ball and he’s been running with the ones for a couple weeks. He just brings a lot to the table. Now, the challenge is getting him enough reps to see as many different looks and things as we can,” Barnett said.
After arriving as a four-star defensive lineman, it doesn’t sound or feel like lip service when Jones says he thinks Iowa’s offensive line is the perfect fit for himself.
“I definitely feel like I’m better at this position, or I like it more than I did defensive line. Although I love the defensive line like coach (Kelvin) Bell and all them and I’m still super close to those guys, I just feel like center is just more natural I’d say. The guys in the room, I love to play with,” Jones said.
The redshirt sophomore was part of the Hawkeyes’ 2020 class and he’s happy to be joining several players that he came in with.
“Oh, absolutely. I know Mason (Richman) was in my class, (Tyler) Elsbury was in my class and then Connor (Colby) was one below me. So, I mean, we’re all, I’d say we’re pretty close. Just being able to play with them and go out there (is fun). They really helped me with my transition and everything, just making calls. They really helped me adjust to the position, so it’s just been a lot of fun,” Jones said.
As Jones mentioned, one of those pieces is likely left guard Tyler Elsbury. While there is still growing and learning to do, Jones said he and Elsbury work well together so far.
“Yeah, I’d say so. I mean, we get stuff down, but we obviously mess things up. It’s just part of the game, but I’d say we work pretty well together. We communicate just like we should,” Jones said.
Ultimately, he’s just thrilled to be alongside this entire unit for Iowa.
“Four other guys on the offensive line. We’re like a team within a team, so getting close to those guys and playing with them is so much fun. I really enjoy it,” Jones said.
Asked if perhaps things might have played out differently had he not gotten hurt early last season, Jones isn’t worried about looking back and wondering what if.
“Yeah, that is a tough question. I don’t know what would have happened. Maybe I would have played and got switched. I don’t know, but God works in mysterious ways and I think this was his plan for me,” Jones said.
At a position that 247Sports tabbed as one of the Big Ten’s top 10 position battles, Jones seems at peace, even enthused about the move. Given how he’s impressed the coaching staff, it looks like it just might be another match made in offensive line heaven for the Hawkeyes.
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